I am the owner of a cooper's hawk that I had done several years ago. I recently discovered that the tail is detached and only holding on by a string. There is a somewhat straight wire coming from the body of the hawk and a T-shaped pin also. Is there a quick fix for this problem or should I find a professional? Also what is a good technique for fanning the tail feathers?
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Just apply a "glob" of hot glue on the body where the tail broke off and hold the tail in place till the glue cools off. Is the bird legal to posses is the question you maybe should be asking?
Hot glue works, but if you have a mishap with it you will have a sticky mess and no way to clean it off of the feathers.
I prefer Bondo. If it totally messes up you can clean it off of the feathers with acetone and try again.
If you want to fan the tail and it isnt fanned now then you have a more complicated job to do. Seeing a professional would be my first suggestionin that case, provided you have proper documentation allowing you to possess the bird. If not ....
I don't want to know.
Bend a thin wire (like a cheap coat hanger)thats' been cut about 10 inches lone into a "U" with a short radius (in other words, a skinny U) Then insert it like a staple through the existing tail from underneath the feathers. Then staple it back into the bird body. The longer prongs will hold it just fine. Gluing can sometimes set up a bigger problem long term. If it's bumped again, a bigger portion of feathers is likely to be broken away. Using the "U" will prevent that and it will only bend where it's already been broken.
I do have a permit for this bird...believe me. Do not ask me why, because I do not know how I got it. Nevertheless, the papers say I can legally have this bird.
dan, you can also use caulk to reattach the tail. use the staple as suggested above and press the tail roots into a bed of caulk (latex w/ silicone). Use caution to keep the feathers clean and set aside to dry for several days. It won't come off again. An added thought, put the bird under glass to protect it from the elements and other such mishaps. My best, jim